Dawn Richard: The Diddy-Dirty Money Star Spreads Her Wings as a Solo Artist

“I could write a bio of all of my accomplishments but … that isn’t me. I’ll say this instead … After two platinum albums … one gold album. Two three-times platinum singles, a BET Award and performing in front of millions … My job isn’t done … Hearts we’ve got work to do … you ready?” –Dawn Richard

A wise man once said that the past should stay dead. Evidently, not only does Dawn Richard also ascribe to that mantra, she is also a fan of the rock band Emarosa, as the premise of letting go of the past is the central tenet of her life.

When reflecting on Richard’s accomplishments, one could make a valid argument that she was well within her rights to rest on her laurels and trumpet the list of impressive accomplishments. Seriously, who would blame her if she decided to stop while she was ahead and let her musical epitaph read: “Here lies Dawn Richard … singer … songwriter … “Making the Band” contest winner … platinum-selling Danity Kane member … Diddy-Dirty Money superstar.”

Not a bad résumé at all. But to assume that those achievements were enough to quell Richard’s buring desire to transform her God-given musical abilities into a global phenomenon, would grossly underestimate the drive that propelled Richard out of Katrina-stricken New Orleans and into the national spotlight.

In the moments directly following her exclusive cover and video shoot with rolling out, Richard reflected on the journey that saw her walk away from the Diddy-led Bad Boy empire, and into a future that found her solo and without a label home.

But while some would fold a hand so seemingly unfortunate, Richard has not only relished the challenge, but thrived on the opportunity to entertain the masses on her own terms. With her independently produced album, GOLDENHEART, set to be released, Jan. 15, 2013, Richard took a moment out of her hectic schedule to allow us a peek behind the curtain.